With the Coen Brothers‘ adaptation of Charles Portis‘ Western tale “True Grit” now three days closer, anticipation will probably increase exponentially as the year draws closer to an end and closer to the film’s release. Speaking with Empire about the pic, co-star Matt Damon took to discussing his self described “supporting role” as Texas ranger La Boeuf, revealing his own interesting inspiration for the role.

“We had all worked with Tommy Lee Jones, who is from near where my character is from, in Texas,” Damon explained. “And Tommy is a really smart guy – I could just sit and listen to him talk. So I played my character like Tommy Lee Jones. He likes to hold court like Tommy Lee, but La Beouf is a windbag – a total jackass…” La Boeuf joins “Rooster” Cogburn (Jeff Bridges) and protagonist Mattie Ross (Hailee Steinfeld) on their quest to avenge the death of Mattie’s father at the hands of Tom Chaney (Josh Brolin), who has fallen in a gang led by “Lucky” Ned Pepper (Barry Pepper).

“It’s just a brilliant adaptation,” Damon added. “They change stuff to make a two-hour film out of it, but retain so much of the dialogue, and Charles Portis – who is still alive – has an ear for the way people talk. It’s a really special script.” We can’t wait for this one; probably the biggest unknown quantity in this year’s Oscar race. “True Grit” will stamp its authority when it hits theaters on December 22nd.